Q: Is Cultural Competency training mandatory for Physicians in Illinois?
A: Yes. Cultural Competency training is mandatory for licensed Physicians in Illinois beginning with the July 31, 2026 license renewal.
- State: Illinois
- Profession: Physicians
- Required Hours: 1 hour every 6 years
- Governing Rule/Citation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.525
Illinois physicians must complete one hour of Cultural Competency continuing education by the July 31, 2026 renewal deadline. This training counts toward the required 150 CME hours and applies to all licensed physicians, unless exempt due to first-time renewal status.
Renew Now CE provides an Instant Certificate for immediate license submission.
Complete your cultural competency requirement today or save with our 4-course Illinois bundle.
Illinois Cultural Competency CE Requirement for Physicians
Starting with the July 31, 2026 renewal, all Illinois physicians must complete 1 hour of cultural competency continuing education. This new state-mandated requirement applies to all licensed physicians in Illinois.
What You Need to Know
- Required: 1 hour of cultural competency training
- Frequency: Every 6 years
- First Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Applies To: All Illinois physicians
- Counts Toward: Your 150-hour CME requirement
What Is Cultural Competency?
According to Illinois law (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.525), cultural competency means “a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables a healthcare professional to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities.”
This training helps you:
- Understand how cultural background influences patient health beliefs
- Communicate effectively with diverse patient populations
- Reduce health disparities in your practice
- Provide more equitable, patient-centered care
Other Illinois CME Requirements for 2026
In addition to cultural competency, Illinois physicians must complete:
Every 3 Years:
Every 6 Years:
- Safe Opioid Prescribing – 1 hour (if you hold a controlled substance license)
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care – 1 hour (if you see patients 26+)
Save time and money: Complete all 4 mandated courses at once with our Illinois Mandatory Bundle (Sexual Harassment, Implicit Bias, Cultural Competency, and Alzheimer’s).
Complete Your Cultural Competency Requirement Online
Renew Now CE offers a 1-hour online cultural competency course that meets Illinois state requirements.
Course Features:
- ✓ ANCC-accredited continuing education
- ✓ Meets Illinois IDFPR requirements
- ✓ 100% online – complete on any device
- ✓ Self-paced learning
- ✓ Instant certificate of completion
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FAQs
When did this requirement start?
The first deadline is July 31, 2026.
Does this increase my total CME hours?
No. The 1 hour counts toward your existing 150-hour CME requirement.
Can I complete this now, before my renewal?
Yes. Any training completed during your current license cycle (August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2026) counts toward the requirement.
I’m a new physician – do I need this for my first renewal?
Physicians renewing for the first time after initial licensure are exempt from the 150-hour CME requirement, including mandated topics.
Why Renew Now CE is the Smart Choice for Your License Renewal Continuing Education:
- Complete Your CE Requirements Today — No Subscriptions, No Stress
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Don’t wait until the July 31, 2026 deadline. Complete your cultural competency requirement today or save with our 4-course Illinois bundle.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Illinois Physician License Renewal Deadline: July 31, 2026
